Teen chess prodigies ponder next move

At just 15 years old, twin brothers Caleb and Judah Levitan are blazing a trail in chess in South Africa. The country’s youngest International Master and FIDE (International Chess Federation) Master, respectively, they are not only breaking records, but reshaping what it means to compete with purpose. 

“Our journey began at six years old, learning the game at home,” the brothers, this year’s Investec Jewish Achiever Awards Ichikowitz Family Foundation Rising Star winners, recall. “Having a partner in each other made us competitive, first across the kitchen table, then in local tournaments.” 

That sibling rivalry quickly turned into something bigger. In 2018, at just seven years old, Caleb won the South African Junior Closed (U8) Championship, and Judah finished second. “It earned us the chance to represent South Africa at the African Youth Championship in Kenya, where we tied for first place.” 

It was a moment that shifted their perspective. “We quickly learned that titles aren’t just medals, they give you a platform, and it’s up to you how you use it.” 

Since then, their paths have run in parallel, but with distinct highlights. “With guidance from a Grandmaster coach, I won the SA Junior Closed (U10) in 2019; reached the last 16 at the FIDE Online World Cadets (U10) in 2020; and at 11, won the SA Junior Closed (U16), becoming South Africa’s youngest FIDE Master,” Caleb says. 

In 2024, Caleb’s career leapt again. “I stepped into the adult circuit, finishing runner-up at the SA Closed Championships at age 13 – the youngest ever – and represented South Africa at both the African Games in Ghana and the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.” 

Judah’s milestones are equally remarkable. “I represented South Africa in India, Spain, and Panama, and at just 12, made the U16 Olympiad team in Azerbaijan. That same year, I became the South African U12 Champion, and earned a podium finish at the African Youth Championship. In 2025, I won the South African Junior Blitz Championship and earned the FIDE Master title.” 

Today, their status speaks for itself. “Caleb is the top-rated active player in the country of all ages. Judah is ranked sixth, and together, we are Africa’s highest-rated siblings,” they say. 

But the brothers insist that their journey isn’t only about results. “Off the board, we wanted chess to mean more than ratings,” they say. Visiting schools showed them how many children had intelligence and enthusiasm but “no access to boards or clocks”. 

They began raising funds, donating equipment, and conducting regular sessions. “We’ve coached development teams; run outreach in under-resourced areas; and partnered with schools that use chess to build focus, planning, and confidence.” 

For the Levitans, these experiences are priceless. “The best moments aren’t trophies, they’re watching a beginner spot a tactic they once thought impossible, or win a game that changes their self-belief.” 

Their success hasn’t been without challenges. “Caleb missed out on the International Master title aged 13 due to one bad move. Judah missed out on qualifying for the SA Adult Chess Championship,” they share candidly. 

Yet these disappointments became catalysts. “These setbacks were important as gaps in the game were identified and there was a shift in training. Two years later, Caleb achieved the International Master title, and Judah has qualified for the 2026 edition of the tournament.” 

Chess, they believe, has shaped their approach to handling adversity. “It has taught us to try and see things many moves ahead, so we are trying to set big goals and see the bigger picture rather than worry about minor setbacks or bad tournaments.” 

One of their unique challenges is managing the “double life” of being school students and elite competitors. “We have the same school responsibilities of a regular kid, but compete against adults or kids who are home-schooled,” they say. 

This is done “with great difficulty. Chess comes first unless it’s an exam period or a chag.” Support comes from a close-knit network. “Our dad is our manager, but we have a team of Grandmaster coaches – in different time zones – and experts who support us. We have the support of family and freedom granted from school.” 

Their mentor, Grandmaster Melikset Khachiyan, is another source of inspiration. “He is a chess superstar from Armenia who fled his country to start a new life in the United States. His family and friends always come first, and we’re lucky that he treats us like family,” they say. 

Professionally, their goal is clear. “We have one goal: to become Grandmasters,” they say. But their vision extends to every classroom in South Africa. “We would love to play a meaningful role in chess being introduced into all schools in South Africa.” 

That vision is rooted in their identity and values. “We have been really fortunate to daven the Yom Kippur service in Baku; have a Shabbos meal in Budapest; and daven in Singapore, and there’s no place like home. Our vision is that the youth of today keeps the values of those that came before it while using new opportunities to build a stronger, prouder South Africa for the future.” 

When asked why they believe they deserve this award, their answer is simple yet profound. “We would be worthy winners for competing beyond our years; showing resilience; and serving our community. Winning would expand our outreach; inspire young players; and support our journey to become South Africa’s next Grandmasters.” 

At just 15, Caleb and Judah embody what it means to be Rising Stars: exceptional talent matched with humility; vision; and a commitment to giving back. Their story isn’t only about chess, it’s about resilience, purpose, and the future of South Africa itself.